In Brief: Careless smoker sparks downtown area fire

Careless use of smoking materials in a rear bedroom sparked a fire that damaged a boarding house Thursday near Downtown, according to Memphis Fire Department officials.

Reported about 2:20 a.m., nearly 50 firefighters and other first responders began arriving within three minutes to the blaze at 358 Allen, near Vance and South Third, fire officials reported. They controlled the fire by 3:14 a.m. and had it knocked down seven minutes later.

A firefighter with an injured knee was taken to Methodist University Hospital. No residents were injured, officials said.

The boarding house was equipped with working smoke detectors. Memphis residents can apply for a free smoke detector by calling 320-5650.

-- Kevin McKenzie

GERMANTOWN

Athletic Club moving gear

The Germantown Athletic Club is closing a portion of its fitness area at noon today so that workers can move new equipment into the lower-level fitness area.

For the past several weeks, the fitness area has been in the gym and a hallway while contractors laid new rubber flooring, painted the walls and installed new weight and cardio equipment.

The lower level will reopen at 7 a.m. Saturday for club members. For more information, call 757-7370.

-- Lela Garlington

SCHOOLS

AGAPE collects school supplies

School starts in a few weeks and AGAPE's School Supply Drive is under way.

The nonprofit organization is collecting uniforms and school supplies for more than 400 area children in some of Memphis' neediest communities.

Donations should be delivered by July 27 to: AGAPE Child and Family Services, 111 Racine, Memphis, Tenn. 38111.

Memphis City Schools' basic uniforms are tan, navy blue or black pants, skirts or jumpers and a long-sleeve or short-sleeve white shirt with a collar.